Module 3 | Mycotoxins
MONDAY 15 JUNE
Mycotoxins are present in almost all feed ingredients, resulting in their presence in almost all animal diets. These chemical substances produced by diverse fungal species can affect the animal's health depending on the dietary concentration, exposure time, and animal-related characteristics. However, impaired production performance or increased susceptibility to diseases are caused by chronic exposure to low dietary concentrations of mycotoxins without present symptoms of mycotoxicosis. This course will introduce you to the main mycotoxins that affect farm animals. Additionally, special attention will be given to neglected mycotoxins and their impact.
Learning objectives
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
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To understand how mycotoxins are produced in the field and during storage, their impact on animal health and production, as well as methods to counteract the effects of mycotoxin exposure.
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Critically evaluate mycotoxin risks, considering sampling and analytical methods, and discuss case studies.
Remarks
- Please be aware that SFR recommendations will not be presented during this module.
- The course will discuss mitigation strategies in general, focusing on active compounds. No commercial name of feed additives will be given or suggested during the course.
- Registered participants will receive the book “Mycotoxins: From Field to Feed” as a gift.
Welcome and introduction
Mycotoxins: Definition, formation, and distribution
How mycotoxins are formed, their chemical characteristics, and their distribution in feed ingredients.
Adverse effects of mycotoxins in farm animals
Specific and general characteristics of mycotoxins that cause their negative impact on different animal species. This module is focused on poultry, swine, and cattle, but some information related to fish will be included.
Legislation and recommendations from food and feed safety authorities
Herewith, a general overview is given about mycotoxins that have maximum regulated levels in several countries, as well as those with maximum recommended levels in the final diet.
Sampling and analysis
Mycotoxins are not homogeneously distributed in feedstuffs and silages, which means that their proper identification and quantification depends on a correct sampling plan. Regarding biological samples, the selection of the correct method of analysis will avoid false-positive or false-negative results.
Intervention strategies
Prevention and remediation are strategies to minimise animal exposure to mycotoxins. In this module, we will explore techniques to prevent mycotoxin formation in the field, how to limit the contamination in feed materials before dietary preparation, and what type of feed additives are available to decontaminate mycotoxins or to decrease their negative impact. As aforementioned, no commercial name of feed additives will be given or suggested during the course.
Case studies and wrap-up
At the end of the course, the group will debate a few case studies.
Meet the trainers
Regiane Santos
